Latest news with #LocalCurrencySettlementFramework
The Star
17-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia's economic position remains stable amid shift in global trade dynamics
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's economic position remains stable despite global trade uncertainties, with optimism surrounding ongoing negotiations, said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) deputy governor Adnan Zaylani Mohamad Zahid. He highlighted the impact of the ongoing trade war and trade negotiations, noting that while short-term effects may not be drastic, long-term shifts in trade dynamics could influence currency movements. "Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim mentioned this morning that Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz is already in Washington this week to negotiate with the United States, so we will have to see how these developments pan out. "I think there's (a good) reason to not be so pessimistic of the outcome of the trade dynamics, especially on the trade negotiations,' he said during a panel session entitled 'The Drivers of the Ringgit' at the Sasana Symposium 2025 here today. Adnan said local businesses remain positive on the outcome of the changing trade dynamics, and they foresee new opportunities emerging from this scenario. He noted that the majority of businesses in Malaysia were not significantly affected by the trade war, and some are looking for new opportunities to emerge because of the changing trade dynamics. "We engage with businesses across the country, from regional offices on the East Coast, northern states, southern states, as well as in Sabah and Sarawak. "So we think the outcome of the trade negotiations may not be too bad for Malaysia, and we should be able to continue to have a pretty steady growth and new opportunities could emerge out of this,' he said. On the ringgit, Adnan said BNM will continue to engage with the marketplace through the Financial Markets Committee (FMC) and corporate entities to ensure its intervention decisions could stabilise the ringgit. "We come in to provide liquidity to the market and also work with the other players to see what their flows are, and how we can help to stabilise the currency market. "This is what we have been doing for the past two years already, and we will continue to do this because the currency is highly uncertain and still quite challenging," he said. Meanwhile, Adnan said the central bank is looking forward to expanding the scope of the Local Currency Settlement Framework (LCSF) beyond trade, which includes the securities and equities markets, following a positive outcome from the usage of local currency in LCSF among ASEAN countries. BNM has introduced LCSF for businesses to transact, invoice and deal in settlement in Thai baht, Indonesian rupiah or even yuan. "We are quite happy with the progress. Today, 20 to 27 per cent of our trade with China is settled in either yuan or ringgit. "Even for Thai baht and Indonesian rupiah, which are later additions, 16 to 17 per cent of trade with these countries are settled in these local currencies,' he said. - Bernama
New Straits Times
18-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Regional push for local currency trade to boost monetary sovereignty
KUALA LUMPUR: The move by Malaysia and several of its regional partners to conduct up to 20 per cent of their trade in local currencies could strengthen regional monetary sovereignty and help shield their economies from external shocks, economists said. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said it makes sense for Malaysia and other countries to consider local currencies for international trade settlements. "This would insulate Malaysia and other nations from the volatility of the US dollar. We have seen how US monetary policy impacted emerging market currencies in 2022 and 2023, with the ringgit among those negatively affected," he said when contacted. He added that tariff shocks initiated by the administration of former US President Donald Trump had also sent ripple effects across global markets. "At this point, we are still unsure how future tariff negotiations will unfold. Hence, it makes sense for Malaysia to future-proof itself, and one way is through the use of local currencies for trade settlements," he said. Afzanizam added that Bank Negara Malaysia had already implemented policies to support this shift, including the Local Currency Settlement Framework (LCSF) with Indonesia and Thailand for trade using the rupiah and baht, respectively. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in an exclusive interview with international broadcaster TV BRICS, said Malaysia and several regional partners are targeting to conduct up to 20 per cent of their trade in local currencies. The move, Anwar said, signalled a regional push to strengthen monetary autonomy and reduce overdependence on the US dollar. Anwar added that the move was not intended to replace the US dollar, which remains the dominant global currency, but rather to create financial buffers to safeguard national interests. Asked if the move could affect ties with the US, Afzanizam said there are always risks involved. However, the government recognises these geopolitical challenges and maintains a non-partisan stance and pointed out that Malaysia is working to resolve US trade concerns without resorting to retaliatory actions. Williams Business Consultancy Sdn Bhd director Dr Geoffrey Williams said trading in local currencies reduces transaction costs and lessens the need to hold US dollars for trade. "It also strengthens the demand for and trade liquidity of regional currencies." He, however, said the main risk is volatility between regional currencies and the need to navigate regional currency rules and capital controls, which might restrict the amount of trade allowed in individual transactions. As for ties with the US, Williams said they would not be affected. "It is just a policy to facilitate the easier use of regional currencies, and this would not affect US trades." On the Asian Monetary Fund, Williams said the idea is feasible but requires buy-in from many countries and involves both economic and geopolitical considerations. "In principle, it could act as a regional version of the International Monetary Fund, helping to stabilise financial flows and currencies. However, it seems a long way off and is not a priority for discussion at the moment." Meanwhile, Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Dr Oh Ei Sun said Trump explicitly voiced his displeasure at any attempt to replace the dollar as the global trade settlement currency. "With trade negotiations still ongoing as a result of US reciprocal tariff measures, it remains to be seen if such remarks at this critical juncture will strengthen Malaysia's hands at the negotiating table," said Oh. On April 2, the US imposed a 24 per cent retaliatory tariff on imports from Malaysia as part of a sweeping wave of trade measures announced by Trump. Among the hardest-hit nations are China, which faces a 34 per cent tariff, the European Union at 20 per cent, Vietnam at 46 per cent, Sri Lanka at 44 per cent, Cambodia at 49 per cent, Laos at 48 per cent, and Myanmar at 44 per cent. Later on April 9, Trump abruptly paused tariffs on most countries after admitting they made the markets nervous, but doubled down on a brutal trade war with superpower rival China. On April 24 to 26, the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz led a Malaysian delegation to Washington DC, to engage in discussions with US officials regarding the imposed tariffs. The delegation met with US officials which included the US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. On Thursday (May 15), Tengku Zafrul said discussions between Malaysia and the US regarding reciprocal tariffs have so far proceeded smoothly, with many issues being resolved while some require further scrutiny, particularly those related to the country's strategic sectors.
